Specs Comparo : Tata Ace Gold vs Mahindra Maxximo

 We compare the two key products in the small commercial vehicle segment, deployed at the last-mile delivery and rural transport requirements. Read our comprehensive specs comparo on Tata Ace Gold vs Mahindra Maxximo:

In the mini-truck segment, the Tata Ace Gold and the Mahindra Maxximo are two of the more competitive and successful offerings by their respective manufacturers. While the Tata Ace Gold first came out in the market, the Mahindra Maxximo, on the other hand, has been catering to the needs for more than 10 years.

The success tasted by both the mini-trucks in India's small commercial vehicle industry can be conjectured by the lakhs of units that both Tata and Mahindra have sold of their respective offerings. So, what makes both the Tata Ace Gold and the Mahindra Maxximo as good as they are? And, how well do they fare against each other? Let's have a look by putting the two much popular and sought after mini-trucks side by side.

Exterior & Dimensions

Starting with the exterior appearance and the dimensions of the two mini-trucks, we got to say that while looks hardly matter in the case of mini-trucks, both the Tata Ace Gold and Mahindra Maxximo carry decent enough styling and do make their presence felt on the road. The front fascia of the Tata Ace Gold comprises of a large windscreen that offers a clear & wide view of the proceedings, a pair of circular halogen headlamps flanking a wide grille that incorporates the Tata logo at the centre, turn signals which sit above the headlamps, blacked-out bumper with dual reflector units, and dual rain wipers. Similar is the case with the Mahindra Maxximo, which flaunts a pair of large headlamps with integrated turn signals, large windscreen, and a stylish grille with a Mahindra logo in chrome finish.

When viewed from the side, both the Tata Ace Gold and the Mahindra Maxximo can be seen sporting large door glasses, ORVMs, and 12-inch wheels. As far as the dimensions, cargo box size, and the payload capacity are concerned, the following table carries all the necessary readings and measurements you need to know regarding both the mini-trucks.

Interior & Comfort

On the inside, the Tata Ace Gold features a roomy car-type cabin to provide the driver and the co-drive with ample room and comfort. Also, the driver's seat is adjustable and also features an armrest for a fatigue-free driving experience. Then come the ergonomic steering wheel and the perfectly placed gear-lever, both of which provide the driver with fatigue-free driving experience. Moreover, Tata has also equipped with the Ace Gold with a utilitarian dashboard that offers maximum space for driver's personal needs. At last, the instrument cluster present on the Tata Ace Gold contains all the required stuff such as speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, among others.

Moving to the Mahindra Maxximo, the rival performs equally well in the interior space and comfort department. The mini-truck comes with two-tone interiors, stylish & highly practical dashboard, spacious cabin, long co-driver seat, mobile charging point, and a highly ergonomic steering wheel & gear-lever for an easy-peasy driving adventure. Just like the Tata Ace Gold, the Mahindra Maxximo also gets an instrument cluster that provides speed, fuel, temperature, and total km readings along with ther indicators.

Engine & Performance

Powering the Tata Ace Gold is a 702cc 2-cylinder IDI engine that is capable of churning out 15.55 hp of maximum power at 3200 rpm and a peak torque of 39 Nm at 2000 rpm. The ample power is then channeled to the wheels via a GBS 65-4/6.31 type gearbox that works in conjunction with a single plate dry friction diaphragm type clutch. The Tata Ace Gold offers a maximum gradeability of 22% and can reach a top speed of 60 kmph. With all that said and understood, the mini-truck packs in quite a lot to transport stuff like food, fruits, food grains, vegetables, and many other commercial and industrial goods from one place to the other without a fuss.

As for the Mahindra Maxximo, the mini-truck can be had with either a 2-cylinder 909cc 4-stroke Direct Injection diesel-fed engine or a Spark Ignition CNG-powered engine. While the diesel motor generates 26 bhp of power at 3,600 rpm and 55 Nm of peak torque at 1,800 - 2,200 rpm, the CNG engine, on the other hand, makes 26 bhp of power at 3,600 rpm and 57 Nm of peak torque at 1,600 - 2,000 rpm. The transmission here is a manual synchromesh 4-forward and 1-reverse gearbox, which works in tandem with a single plate dry-type clutch. The Mahindra Maxximo comes with two different drive modes, Power and ECO, and can go up to 72 kmph.

Handling & Suspension

The steering setup on the Tata Ace Gold incorporates a 380 mm mechanical unit with variable ratio (23.1 to 28.9:1). Moreover, the suspension setup on the mini-truck includes a parabolic leaf spring setup of ideal length, width, and thickness at both front and rear. This suspension setup is not only very rugged but also offers high reliability and low-cost maintenance.

The Mahindra Maxximo features a manual rack and pinion steering for an easy and fatigue-free driving experience. As for the suspension setup, the mini-truck comes equipped with a McPherson Independent unit at the front on both CNG and diesel models. The rear suspension setup, however, differs on the diesel and CNG models. While the CNG variant gets semi-elliptical leaf springs with hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers, the diesel model features a 7-leaf spring setup.

Braking & Safety

On vehicles such as mini-trucks that carry heavy loads on different kind of trails, you need a set of reliable and potent brakes. And, in order to do just that, Tata has equipped the Ace Gold with disc brakes (C51 Caliper) at the front and drum brakes (200mm dia. x 30mm) at the rear. Also present are 145R12 LT 8PR radial type tubeless tyres that are good enough to conquer various trails with ease. Moreover, other features that enhance the safety coefficient include a parking brake, seat belts, and a heavy-duty truck-like chassis, which is both rugged and reliable.

The braking setup on the Mahindra Maxximo includes disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear with Load Sensing Proportionate Valves (LSPV) with booster for difficult times. Moreover, the occupants inside the Mahindra Maxximo are always safe thanks to the presence of an impact absorbing structure between the front bumper and the chassis. Just the likes Tata Ace Gold, the Mahindra Maxximo also gets a parking brake, seat belts, and a strong passenger cabin.

Verdict

Both the Tata Ace Gold and the Mahindra Maxximo are two great mini-trucks available in the Indian small commercial vehicle market. With appealing looks, potent powertrains, strong payload capacities, high-fuel efficiency, and low-maintenance costs, both the mini-trucks make for a good purchase as your first, second, or even third commercial vehicle to transport goods from one place to the other. Pick either, and you will be making a great purchase.

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